IT is the 1920s and the body of a young woman has washed up on the shores of Lake Bonney, leaving the quiet town of Millicent asking one question “who committed the crime?”
Was it the woman’s fiancé who had returned from the war, the jealous girl next door or the crazy preacher?
The Millicent Living History National Trust Museum is calling on amateur sleuths to grab their magnifying glasses, trench coats and detective hats to assist them with solving the crime as part of the popular “Murder at the Museum” event.
Following last year’s sellout success, this year’s event again sees participants play the investigator as they are led by guides through the museum following a trail of cryptic clues and discovering secrets about the three main suspects along the way.
“The suspects who we think were involved are in the museum and visitors will play the part of investigators,” organiser Chris Parmenter said.
“They will be assisted by tour guides who will help them work though the maze of clues and there will be a lot of local townspeople around the place they will be able to interrogate.”
The event will take participants back almost a century to the 1920s jazz era, and will see the involvement of over 30 community members who will play the part, dressed in costume to suit the theme of the night.
“When people turn up, they will be given a little introduction to the murder and the basic facts,” Mr Parmenter said.
“The tour will run for about an hour and after they are finished they will get to write their conclusions down on a piece of paper and we will draw a random winner to win a dinner for two at the Sumerset Hotel.
“People are quite welcome to come dressed in character and join in the fun of it, but it’s really just a way for people to see the museum in a different light.”
The theatrical evening features an original script written by Mr Parmenter and will be presented by community actors, including local troupe the Company of Seven.
“It’s a community event,” Mr Parmenter said.
“The whole basis is ideally to let the community know what a great museum we have and they are all part of it.
“We want Millicent to take ownership of the museum.”
Last year’s 1880s themed event was a sell-out, attracting 120 amateur sleuths from the South East and as far as Victoria.
Murder at the Museum will be held at the Millicent National Trust Museum on April 14, with tours starting at 6pm.
Gill Purdie’s vintage cars will be on display to set the mood for the evening and jazz music will play.
Refreshments will be available with the Lions club’s doughnuts, while the Lionesses will provide tea and coffee.
The winner will receive a meal voucher from the Somerset Hotel.
The killer and their motive will be revealed in the South Eastern Times on April 17.
Tickets to the suspenseful evening are $10 for adults and free for accompanied children and enables the holder to one free adult entry to explore the museum on April 15.
Bookings are now open and Mr Parmenter encourages those interested to get in quick as the event is sure to be a sell-out.
Call the Millicent Visitor Information Centre 8733 0904 or drop by to reserve a place.
